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The human ASCL2 gene escaping genomic imprinting and its expression pattern.
Toshinobu Miyamoto1, Shiga Hasuike, Yoshihiro Jinno
1Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan.
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|July 9, 2002
Summary
The human ASCL2 gene, crucial for trophoblast development, is expressed in fetal and placental tissues. Unlike its mouse counterpart, the human ASCL2 gene escapes genomic imprinting.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
- Genomic Imprinting
Background:
- The mouse achaete-scute homolog-2 (Ascl2) gene is essential for trophoblast development and is an imprinted gene with maternal expression.
- Ascl2 is located within an imprinting gene cluster region (ICR) on mouse chromosome 7.
- The human homolog, ASCL2, has been mapped to human chromosome 11p15.5, a known human ICR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of the human ASCL2 gene in fetal and placental tissues.
- To determine if the human ASCL2 gene exhibits genomic imprinting.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human ASCL2 gene expression in fetal tissues (first to second trimester) and placental tissues.
- Assessment of genomic imprinting status of the human ASCL2 gene.
Main Results:
- Human ASCL2 gene expression was detected in fetal tissues and placental tissues.
- The human ASCL2 gene was found to escape genomic imprinting.
Conclusions:
- The human ASCL2 gene is expressed during fetal development and in placental tissues.
- Unlike the mouse Ascl2, the human ASCL2 gene does not appear to be imprinted, suggesting differential regulation between species.